The area of this governorate is 19.8 km² (without suburbs); despite its small size, it is considered the most important region in Lebanon because of its economical, political, cultural, and social activity. The governor of Beirut is Greek Orthodox according to tradition, while the mayor is Sunni Muslim. Beirut is known to be the most diverse city religiously in the Middle East. There are about three million people in Beirut and its suburbs. About 50% are Christian (in the north and east), 25% Shia (in the south), and 25% Sunni (in the central and west of Beirut).